In a breathtaking discovery beneath the murky depths of the Nile River, archaeologists have uncovered a treasure trove of ancient Egyptian history—giant stone slabs adorned with vivid carvings and hieroglyphic inscriptions celebrating some of Egypt’s most iconic pharaohs. Submerged for decades after a catastrophic flood in the 1970s, these remarkable artifacts, found near the city of Aswan, offer a stunning glimpse into the reigns of legendary rulers like Amenhotep III, Thutmose IV, and others from the 18th and 26th dynasties. The find has left experts in awe, not only for its historical significance but also for the pristine condition of the carvings, which have defied the ravages of time and water.
The discovery came during a daring underwater expedition to locate artifacts lost during the construction of the Aswan High Dam between 1960 and 1970. This massive engineering project, while a triumph of modern Egypt, inadvertently submerged countless archaeological treasures under the Nile’s waters. Archaeologists at the time scrambled to save what they could, relocating iconic monuments like the Temple of Dendur—now housed at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art—but many relics were believed lost forever. That is, until now.
“For the first time, we have ventured underwater to study the rock formations between the Aswan reservoir and the Aswan High Dam,” the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities shared with Smithsonian Magazine. “Since the site remains in remarkably good condition, our team was able to fully document it.” Using cutting-edge underwater filming, photography, and photogrammetry—a technique that transforms photographs into precise 3D models—the team meticulously recorded the carvings, bringing these ancient masterpieces back into the light.
Among the finds are slabs etched with the likeness and deeds of King Amenhotep III, known as Amenhotep the Magnificent, a towering figure of Egypt’s 18th dynasty. Renowned for ushering in an era of peace, prosperity, and diplomatic brilliance from 1390 to 1353 BC, Amenhotep III’s legacy includes stunning architectural feats and a golden age of artistic achievement. Another slab immortalizes King Thutmose IV, celebrated for his restoration of the Great Sphinx of Giza in the early 14th century BC. The inscriptions also reference King Apries of the 26th dynasty, a ruler who bolstered Egypt’s temples but faced military setbacks after aiding Libya against Greek invaders.
The team was astonished by the carvings’ condition, preserved as if untouched by the Nile’s relentless currents. “We were stunned to find these carvings in such pristine shape,” one team member remarked. “It’s like the pharaohs themselves were waiting to tell their stories.” Hieroglyphs accompanying the images detail the rulers’ achievements, offering a direct window into their reigns. Though the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has not yet released translations of the hieroglyphs or detailed descriptions of the carvings’ imagery, the discovery has sparked excitement about what further secrets lie beneath the river’s surface.
Dr. Islam Saleem, director general of the General Administration for Sunken Archaeological Sites, hinted at the potential for even more discoveries in a recent Facebook post. “Our initial findings suggest there are additional carvings yet to be uncovered,” he wrote, fueling anticipation for future dives. The team, a collaboration of Egyptian and French archaeologists, hopes these finds will deepen our understanding of the 18th dynasty, a period already famed for its monumental architecture and artistic innovation.
Aswan itself is no stranger to archaeological wonders. The region is home to the majestic Abu Simbel temple, guarded by four colossal 65-foot statues of Pharaoh Ramses II, and the Philae temple, where the last known hieroglyphic inscription was carved in 394 AD. This latest discovery only adds to the area’s storied legacy, rekindling global fascination with Egypt’s ancient past.
As researchers continue their work, creating detailed 3D models and analyzing the hieroglyphs, the carvings of these long-lost pharaohs are poised to rewrite chapters of history. Hidden for decades beneath the Nile’s mud, these artifacts are a testament to the enduring power of Egypt’s rulers—and the relentless pursuit of those who seek to uncover their stories.
